The National Committee for Institutionally Related Foundations guides CASE's efforts by providing leadership on issues of concern to foundations and supporting the development of resources and services for the community of foundation professionals. Tiffani Shaw, executive vice president and COO of the University of Iowa Foundation, serves as committee chair. The committee has 18 members with representatives from leading academic and institutionally related institutions.

"Donna's appointment to the National Committee for Institutionally Related Foundations reflects the high level of national recognition she has garnered," said Dr. Kuhio Asam, chair of the UH Foundation Board of Trustees. "This represents an important acknowledgment of Donna's noteworthy successes in raising funds, the high level of expertise that she is able to offer to others, and the exceptional quality of her leadership."

The committee's responsibilities include:

Monitor issues of special concern to institutionally related foundations, work with CASE staff to alert other foundations as warranted, and participate in representing foundations' interests on these matters.

Provide leadership for CASE on issues involving institutionally related foundations and provide guidance to CASE staff and volunteer leaders on such issues.

Provide leadership and guidance to CASE staff on the development of educational programs and other products and service for foundations.

Help promote broad awareness of CASE's programs, products, and services among all who might benefit from them.

Help develop briefing papers, model policies, standards and guidelines, and other material to help foundations function effectively and maintain productive relationships with their institutions.

Share their own professional expertise with colleagues referred to them by CASE staff.

Help with the organization and conduct of specific programs including conferences, seminars, and program audits.

Vuchinich joined the UH Foundation in September 2002 as vice president for development and was appointed president & CEO in June 2004, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the public university fundraising environment to the foundation. In this role, she spearheaded the successful Centennial Campaign that raised $336 million for the University of Hawai‘i.

Previously, she served in administrative and leadership positions with Oregon State University from 1991 to 2002, and with the University of New Mexico and its Foundation from 1978 to 1990. She also has experience from the private sector, where she worked in banking and medicine.

The University of Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawai‘i System. The mission of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation is to unite donors’ passions with the University of Hawai‘i’s aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawai‘i and future generations.